Skeptism and Sterotypes

Was talking to [Uncle Sam] about his latest ideas. Not sure whether it’s just me (I suspect it is) but whenever I think of local productions, it ALWAYS begs the questions:

Is the story about just one race?Will there be a fair representation of each race?Which stereotypes are going to be used?Who will be in the positions of power?

Etc etc. It could just be me overanalysing the subject matter, but it’s hard not to when most local productions focus on just one race and ignores the rest. It is said by some that the media, and in particular, the entertainment industry mirror society, even if it does shape society at the same time. We’re conditioned by what we see on the idiot tube and when it takes place in mainstream society, we should not really be surprised if it’s reflected by said series.

We often promote Malaysia as Multi-racial, but our media doesn’t reflect that. Our entertainment doesn’t reflect that. Instead, everyone is happy consuming series about their own races, about what’s happening in their community, about their own surroundings. Subliminal messages? Perhaps so.

Maybe what I should do one day is to have a videocamera running one day when my friends and I gather at the mamak and put it up on YouTube. We’ll see what people talk about, what their views etc etc are, and see whether race comes into play.

Damn I miss those driving sessions when I drove to Cyberjaya.

Edit before publishing: And the song that plays on my Winamp JUST before I click submit is “I Don’t need a man” by the Pussy Cat Dolls. *Facepalms*

1. Is the story about just one race?Generically, yes, but you have to remember it’s usually engineered for that race in the first place.B.M. shows are Malay for Malays, Chinese for Chinese.If you’re using English, then you have a difference i.e. Sepet and the ever popular Kopitiam.

2. Will there be a fair representation of each race?Should it matter? Unless you’re making a muhibbah statement, story should determine racial ratio not vice versa.

3. Which stereotypes are going to be used?Whatever stereotypes or non-stereotypes that fit the tale. The story is GOD!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

4. Who will be in the positions of power?Whoever it makes sense to put up there. Depends on story again.i.e. Malaysia – KL – Majority group – Penang – Chinese group

You want all Malaysians to come, but you make it only about ‘some’ Malaysians.

Though to some extent, there is some element of truth about the lack of muhibbah-ness in real life. But this monotone representation of Malaysian life actually perpetuates and encourages the stereotype mah.